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Fitness for new moms

Time for the gym is out of reach for many new moms. But you can still do your body good

Lija Kresowaty,

Originally published in Today's Parent November 2010

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Wondering how to fit a workout routine into your busy new-mom schedule? The good news: Baby steps do pay off. A 2007 Harvard study found that mothers who walked 30 minutes a day or more, watched less than two hours a day of TV, and reduced their trans fat consumption were 77 percent more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

Melanie Osmack, founder of the pre- and postnatal fitness program Fit 4 Two in Vancouver (fit4two.ca), says that even brief periods of exercise help. “Moms who work out have a better body image and increased energy, and feel happier,” she says. “And most new moms realize being healthy is more important than rapid weight loss.”

So try out these convenience-packed routines. Osmack recommends doing the 10-minute core workout every day, and a longer routine at least three times a week. On days when you’ve got a little more time, choose between the 20-minute workout below or a brisk 20-minute walk with the stroller to add an important cardio component.

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